As you might imagine, sometimes we get questions from customers debating between hiring a professional and taking the DIY route to cleaning carpets, tile and grout, and upholstered furniture. One of those questions is:
So today we’re going to detail the three biggest reasons why cleaning your carpet with laundry detergent is not a good idea.
It is not recommended to use powdered laundry detergent as carpet powder to make your carpet smell better. Laundry detergent is designed to be used in a washing machine to clean clothes and is formulated with chemicals that may not be suitable for use on carpets.
There’s a Difference Between ‘Smells Clean” and “Is Clean”
If you do decide to take the chance of using a laundry detergent, what you won’t be able to see right away is the residue that is left behind. But it won’t take long for that residue to begin attracting dirt. Cleaning your carpet with laundry detergent could ultimately result in a dirtier carpet, defeating the whole purpose and wasting valuable time and money.
Laundry Detergents aren’t Formulated for Carpet Cleaning
Would you use body wash to clean your dishes? Or dishwasher tablets in a washing machine?
Cleaning solutions are specifically formulated to clean and not damage the machines they’re used in and the material they’re treating. Laundry soap is designed to be used in washing machines to clean clothing. Using it to clean your carpets can damage owned or rented cleaning equipment and the carpet you’re trying to preserve.
It’s also important to note that not all laundry detergent contains the same ingredients. That means they create variable levels of foam and have a wide spectrum of rinsing requirements.
Will Laundry Detergent Work to Clean a RUG?
FAQ
Can you use other detergent in Bissell carpet cleaner?
What can I use instead of Bissell cleaning formula?
Can you use Dawn detergent in a carpet cleaner?